LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville boxing champion was honored along a street that shares the name as another Louisville boxing legend.

Saturday, family and friends of Heavyweight champion Jimmy Ellis unveiled an honorary sign at Third Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard.

It's been a two-year process with Ellis' family and Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith to make the sign a reality.

Ellis was heavyweight champ from 1968 to 1970.

He was close friends with Muhammad Ali, and the two often traveled and sparred together.

However, Ali was the one who got most of the spotlight.

"To be the champion immediately after Ali and be from the same hometown, he just sort of got overshadowed, which is the way sports works. But Jimmy worked just as hard and was just as dedicated as any athlete you will ever want to see," Jerry Ellis, Jimmy Ellis' brother, said.

After his boxing career Ellis managed Athletic and Rec programs with Louisville Metro Parks.